What is the Build the Hive Challenge?
The Build the Hive Challenge is Radford University’s annual “week of giving.”
This exciting online fundraising competition takes place Wednesday, April 15 – Wednesday, April 22. It is one week that brings our entire Highlander family together to support current students. During the #BuildTheHive Challenge, Radford University’s seven colleges go head-to-head to see which will be the first to reach its donor goal. We are excited to see how many supporters will make a gift in just one week!
Why “The Hive”?
We chose this name because our crowdfunding platform is called “The Hive”- chosen from the University’s official beehive seal which encompasses the theme of many coming together as one, for the benefit of the whole. This aligns with the strength and purpose of crowdfunding and this weeklong event. In this context the “hive” represents our Highlander community and we are calling on our Radford family to help us “build the hive” – meaning support our Highlander community of students.
Who can participate in Build the Hive?
Anyone can support students at Radford University during the Build the Hive Challenge by making a monetary donation to support one of the funds designated for this competition which support our seven colleges*. Alumni, parents, friends, students (both undergraduate and graduate), faculty and staff are encouraged to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to support students while participating in a little friendly competition!
*These funds are found on each college’s crowdfunding page in a drop-down box once you select “Make a donation.”
What are some ways I can get involved in The Build the Hive Challenge?
Make a gift!
Join your Radford family to demonstrate our collective impact by making a donation to support students studying within your favorite college(s). A gift of any size makes a difference* and will help your favorite college win the Build the Hive Challenge! If you have already made your annual gift, please consider joining the excitement by making an additional gift.
NOTE: This competition is based on unique donors. Therefore, only one gift per donor will be counted toward the college totals which will be used to determine the winner of the Build the Hive Challenge. When gifts (both offline and online) are tallied at the conclusion of the competition, only one gift made per donor per college will be counted. A single donor may make a single gift to multiple colleges and that will count. However, when a single donor makes multiple gifts to a single college, only one gift will be counted to benefit the college for the purposes of the competition.
*minimum $10 gift
Spread the word!
Help us share the buzzworthy news and create a vibe! We need your help to reach as many alumni, friends and supporters as possible! Check out for resources like a Facebook frame, a special Build the Hive photo to post, a unique cover photo for your profile, suggested posts for your social media, and a sample email to send to friends.
Ways to get social:
When you change your pic or post an image, be sure to include a description so your friends know what the Build the Hive Challenge is and how they can get involved (ex. by visiting the website and making a gift or by sharing)!
What types of gifts are accepted during the Build the Hive Challenge?
Check and credit card gifts will be counted*. This includes gifts made via mail, phone or online on our crowdfunding platform.
*This competition is based on unique donors. Therefore, only one gift per donor will be counted toward the college totals which will be used to determine the winner of the Build the Hive Challenge. When gifts (both offline and online) are tallied at the conclusion of the competition, only one gift made per donor per college will be counted. A single donor may make a single gift to multiple colleges and that will count. However, when a single donor makes multiple gifts to a single college, only one gift will be counted to benefit the college for the purposes of the competition.
Can I make a pledge that I will fulfill at a later date to help my favorite college win?
No, pledges will not be counted during the Build the Hive Challenge, only donations received during the competition to the funds specified on the crowdfunding page.
I’m excited to do get involved and help my college win this competition! Can I make multiple gifts to my college to help boost its donor totals and push it closer to its goal?
No, this competition is based on unique donors. Therefore, only one gift per donor will be counted toward the college totals which will be used to determine the winner of the Build the Hive Challenge. When gifts (both offline and online) are tallied at the conclusion of the competition, only one gift made per donor per college will be counted. A single donor may make a single gift to multiple colleges and that gift will count for each of those colleges. However, when a single donor makes multiple gifts to a single college, only one gift will be counted toward that college’s donor goal for the purposes of the competition.
Where should I designate my gift in order to count during Build the Hive?
A gift to any of the funds listed on the will count toward the competition.
Can I give anonymously?
Yes! If you would prefer that your name does not show on our “Campaign Heroes” wall, please select “Anonymous” when making your gift. Please note that the amount of your donation will never be displayed publicly.
Is my payment secure?
Yes! As is the case every day, all payments will be processed using a secure online giving form. The information collected during the Build the Hive Challenge will be used only by Radford University.
Will my gift be tax-deductible?
Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please consult your tax professional for information regarding the tax-deductible nature of your gift.
I still have questions. How can I get in touch?
Please send an email to Crystal Hubbard, Assistant Director of Annual Giving at cdhubbar@radford.edu or call 540-831-5926.